Programs

Contact: Russ Thrall

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP) provides leadership, coordination, technical assistance, and funding support for the evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. For more information on the Coldwater Heritage Partnership, see: https://www.coldwaterheritage.org/

Forever Wild Grants
Contact: Brian Wagner

The Forever Wild grant fund which is funded in part through the sale of “Back the Brookie” license plates awards mini-grants of up to $2,500 directly to chapters to complete projects and programs that relate to the protection and restoration of Pennsylvania’s wild trout species and which further the objective of education and outreach to communities within the Commonwealth about the importance of our coldwater resources and their conservation.  Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are expended for the fiscal year. Depending on funding availability, Council expects to award between $10,000 to $15,000 annually to chapters through the Forever Wild program. Go to Forever Wild Grant App for more information and to download an application form. Click here to purchase a plate.

Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership
We are excited to announce the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership. PA Trout has joined forces with 135 other partner organizations, and together we will plant 10 million—that’s right, 10 MILLION—trees in Pennsylvania by the end of 2025.

Click here for more information.

Keystone Coldwater Conference
The Keystone Coldwater Conference is a biennial conference that promotes the  sharing of ideas between diverse groups with common interests and causes to protect, conserve and restore Pennsylvania’s coldwater resources. The audience is primarily grassroots organizations, watershed and sportsmen’s groups, and other environmentally active citizens, including college students and professionals from conservation districts, agencies and consulting firms.

Website: www.coldwaterconference.org

Trout in the Classroom

Trout In the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program in which students learn about coldwater conservation while raising trout from eggs to fingerlings in a classroom aquarium. During the year each teacher tailors the program to fit his or her curriculum needs. Therefore, each program is unique. For more information on Trout in the Classroom, see: https://www.patroutintheclassroom.org/

TU Service Partnership
Through resources provided by National’s TU Service Partnership, our Council and chapters can provide a community for veterans and first responders, breaking down barriers with loaner rods, additional casting clinics, fishing friends and mentors. Additionally, the TU chapter becomes a network for participants and a welcoming, inclusive community. The TU chapter is a place where friends are made; where someone comes to learn fly tying, roll casting and the thrill of a strike, and then returns to teach it to new members. It is a place where a passion is born and a commitment to conservation is fostered.

Start a TU Service Partnership Program

Eastern Brook Trout Habitat Initiative
Amy Wolfe – TU NE Coldwater Habitat Program Director 570-748-4901

Website

Throughout Pennsylvania, native brook trout are at risk. Pressures from poor land management, natural resource development and other problems have reduced the number of fish and fishing opportunities throughout the state.

TU is embarking on a new project, working to restore brook trout habitat in several important watersheds in Pennsylvania, by reconnecting rivers and streams, repairing and replacing culverts where fish can’t swim through and will, overall, increase places for fish to live.

Eastern Abandoned Mine Program
Amy Wolfe – TU NE Coldwater Habitat Program Director 570-748-4901

Trout Unlimited’s Eastern Abandoned Mine Program (EAMP) is focused on the conservation, protection, and restoration of coldwater fisheries and their watersheds that have been impacted by historic coal mining throughout the Appalachian region. With more than 8,000 stream miles polluted from abandoned mine drainage (AMD) just between Pennsylvania and West Virginia alone, AMD is cited by the Environmental Protection Agency as the single largest threat to the Appalachian environment. The main focus for Trout Unlimited’s Eastern Abandoned Mine Program is the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Initiative (WBSRI), which is a comprehensive and collaborative effort aimed at the restoration of coldwater streams and the ultimate recovery of the West Branch Susquehanna River.

Web Site: https://www.tu.org/tu-projects/eastern-abandoned-mines-program